Abstract: A water-based pressure sensitive adhesive dispersion is provided. The dispersion is a reaction product of a monomer solution and an aqueous phase. The monomer solution contains from about 40 to 70 parts water-insoluble monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl ester, and combinations thereof and from about 0.01 to 0.2 parts monomer soluble free radical initiator. The aqueous phase includes from about 1 to 20 parts latex binder, from about 0.1 to 2 parts surfactant, from about 0.02 to 1 parts polymeric suspension stabilizer, and water as a remaining balance. All parts are given as parts by weight per 100 parts of the dispersion. The dispersion has a solid phase of at least 60 weight percent, a viscosity of less than about 300 centipoise, measured at about 23° C., and a bimodal particle size distribution.

Abstract: A water-based pressure sensitive adhesive dispersion is provided. The dispersion is a reaction product of a monomer solution and an aqueous phase. The monomer solution contains from about 40 to 70 parts water-insoluble monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl ester, and combinations thereof and from about 0.01 to 0.2 parts monomer soluble free radical initiator. The aqueous phase includes from about 1 to 20 parts latex binder, from about 0.1 to 2 parts surfactant, from about 0.02 to 1 parts polymeric suspension stabilizer, and water as a remaining balance. All parts are given as parts by weight per 100 parts of the dispersion. The dispersion has a solid phase of at least 60 weight percent, a viscosity of less than about 300 centipoise, measured at about 23° C., and a bimodal particle size distribution.

Abstract: A method for making a bicontinuous, conductive, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), such that the starting microemulsion has a convenient viscosity for coating, and such that only a single polmerization step is needed. This has been accomplished by the discovery of a class of thickening agents having a carboxylic acid functionality that are compatible with the microemulsion and yet do not damage the properties of the final adhesive.

Abstract: An organic particulate-filled adhesive is provided comprising ionomeric particulate dispersed in a polymer matrix containing water-soluble polymer or water-dispersible polymer. The adhesive preferably contains a plasticizer. If desired, in some formulations, the adhesive can contain additives, such as opacifying agents, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, vitamins, and herbal extracts. The adhesive can have pressure sensitive adhesive properties, although such properties are not necessary. The adhesive can be formulated so as to be useful as a repulpable adhesive and as a cosmetic adhesive.

Abstract: A method of making ionomeric particulate compositions by suspension polymerization are provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) forming an aqueous phase comprising an acid monomer, a metal oxide, and at least a first and a second surfactant, the first being a monomer surfactant; (b) forming an oil phase comprising at least one vinyl monomer; and (c) suspension polymerizing the aqueous phase with the oil phase to yield an ionomeric particulate composition. The resulting particulates do not have pressure sensitive tack. Particle size in the range of less than 10 micrometers can be made. The ionomeric particulate is made in the absence of a chain transfer agent and thus can have high molecular weight.

Abstract: An ionomeric particulate composition made by suspension polymerization is provided. The composition comprises at least one vinyl monomer; an acid monomer; a metal oxide; at least two surfactants, one of which is a monomer surfactant; and polyacrylamide. The particulates' size can be controlled by use of the polyacrylainide and various surfactants, and not through the conventional means of homogenization. Particle size in the range of less than 10 micrometers can be made. The ionomeric particulate is made in the absence of a chain transfer agent and thus can have high molecular weight.

Abstract: A method for making a bicontinuous, conductive, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), such that the starting microemulsion has a convenient viscosity for coating, and such that only a single polmerization step is needed. This has been accomplished by the discovery of a class of thickening agents having a carboxylic acid functionality that are compatible with the microemulsion and yet do not damage the properties of the final adhesive.

Abstract: A fluid permeable composite structure having active particulate bonded together using a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) polymer microparticulate. Use of the PSA polymer microparticulate to bond the active particulate together produces a bonded structure that, unlike previously-developed active bonded structures, is flexible and therefore can be conformed into a variety of shapes. The shaped structures may be used as gaseous filters in a wide variety of respirators.

Abstract: An organic particulate-filled adhesive is provided comprising ionomeric particulate dispersed in a polymer matrix containing water-soluble polymer or water-dispersible polymer. The adhesive preferably contains a plasticizer. If desired, in some formulations, the adhesive can contain additives, such as opacifying agents, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, vitamins, and herbal extracts. The adhesive can have pressure sensitive adhesive properties, although such properties are not necessary. The adhesive can be formulated so as to be useful as a repulpable adhesive and as a cosmetic adhesive.

Abstract: An organic particulate-filled adhesive is provided comprising ionomeric particulate dispersed in a polymer matrix containing water-soluble polymer or water-dispersible polymer. The adhesive preferably contains a plasticizer. If desired, in some formulations, the adhesive can contain additives, such as opacifying agents, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, vitamins, and herbal extracts. The adhesive can have pressure sensitive adhesive properties, although such properties are not necessary. The adhesive can be formulated so as to be useful as a repulpable adhesive and as a cosmetic adhesive.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive polyacrylate polymer microparticulate obtainable by suspension polymerizing an aqueous mixture that comprises: (a) an acrylic acid ester of a nontertiary alcohol having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; (b) a polar monomer; (c) a styrene sulfonate salt; and (d) an amount of surfactant above the critical micelle concentration.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition has peel adhesion of at least 3 Newtons/100 mm as measured according to a PSTC-1 Test. The composition preferably has a bicontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition has peel adhesion of at least 3 Newtons/100 mm as measured according to a PSTC-1 Test. The composition preferably has a bicontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition has peel adhesion of at least 3 Newtons/100 mm as measured according to a PSTC-1 Test. The composition preferably has a bicontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant.

Abstract: An absorbent dressing that includes a transparent, elastomeric, body fluid-absorbing composition that is essentially free of hydrocolloidal gel particles. The composition includes the reaction product of:(a) 20 to 80 parts by weight of an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester of a non-tertiary alcohol having between 4 and 14 carbon atoms, inclusive;(b) 30 to 60 parts by weight of a hydrophilic, ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and p1 (c) 5 to 25 parts by weight of a polar, ethylenically unsaturated monomer different from the hydrophilic, ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The composition is capable of absorbing moderate to heavy amounts of body fluids, while retaining its structural integrity and transparency.

Abstract: Styryl-modified acrylate polymer pressure sensitive adhesive beads, adhesive films made therefrom and methods of making the same. Surprisingly, the polymerization of styryl-functional monomer into bead formulations provides beads that can be easily extruded and made into adhesive films having high shear strength. The polymerization of styryl-functional monomer into bead formulations comprising methacrylic acid also obviates the need to use a modifier moiety.

Abstract: A fluid permeable composite structure having active particulate bonded together using a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) polymer microparticulate. Use of the PSA polymer microparticulate to bond the active particulate together produces a bonded structure that, unlike previously-developed active bonded structures, is flexible and therefore can be conformed into a variety of shapes. The shaped structures may be used as gaseous filters in a wide variety of respirators.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition preferably has a biocontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant. Uses for the pressure sensitive adhesive composition include biomedical articles, such as biomedical electrodes, medical skin coverings, and pharmaceutical delivery devices, and industrial articles, such as zinc/adhesive tapes used for cathodic protection of rebars embedded in concrete.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition has peel adhesion of at least 3 Newtons/ 100 mm as measured according to a PSTC-1 Test. The composition preferably has a bicontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant.

Abstract: A polymer composite is described having a bicontinuous structure of two substantially nonporous phases, one being a hydrophilic polymer and the other being a hydrophobic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the polymer composite. The composite is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar species in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer in the oil phase, and surfactant.